LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES PIONEER IN EXCELLENCE AWARD TO CV HOUSING COALITION

INDIO, CA (June 2005) – John Mealey, executive director of Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, recently received a Pioneer in Excellence award by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). LISC is the nation’s leading community development support organization.

The newly created award recognizes outstanding leaders in the community development field. Mealey was among 25 other community development corporation directors from around the country who received this honor.

“The Pioneer Award is a reflection of CVHC’s dedication to affordable housing,” said LISC president and CEO Michael Rubinger. He added, “It takes vision, hard work and tremendous determination.”

Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) is an award-winning non-profit housing development corporation dedicated to helping low and very low income families improve their living conditions through advocacy, research, construction and operation of housing and community development projects. Since 1982, CVHC has constructed more than 2500 homes and apartments for low income households in Riverside County. In addition, CVHC has developed childcare centers, after school programs, and two medical clinics. It operates various services for its tenants and others including English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes, computer training, music, art and recreational programs. Information: (760) 347-3157, www.cvhc.org.